The countdown is officially on for BIMA National Conference 2025 – and we’ve just dropped our full speaker line-up! We’re talking big names, bold ideas, and brilliant conversations all packed into one inspiring day in central London on Saturday 28th June. From Baroness Sayeeda Warsi to Dr Saliha Mahmood Ahmed, Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh, and many more – this isn’t just another conference, it’s the gathering of the year for Muslim healthcare professionals. If you haven’t got your ticket yet… what are you waiting for?
This month, we’ve also been turning up the volume on one of the most pressing issues in healthcare ethics today: the pushback against legalised assisted dying. Our recent webinar brought together experts, allies, and powerful voices like Dr Sabira Kanani to unpack what’s happening and why it matters – not just professionally, but spiritually and morally too. We’re proud to be part of this vital conversation.
And if you're passionate about innovation and community impact, don’t miss BIMA PitchFest this May – a vibrant evening of startup pitches, networking, and purpose-driven collaboration to advance digital health for Muslim communities.
Scroll down for more of what we’ve been up to – and thank you, as always, for being part of the BIMA journey.
Dr Nadia Khan
BIMA Council
Upcoming Events
BIMA Conference 2025
We are delighted to share the speaker line-up at BIMA National Conference 2025, taking place on Saturday, 28th June 2025 in the heart of London. Among them are prominent figures like Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Rt Hon Zubir Ahmed, Dr Saliha Mahmood Ahmed, Dr Samia Latif, Dr Jason Wong, and many many more.
This is the biggest event in the BIMA calendar, bringing together healthcare professionals from across the country for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration.
Hurry up and get your tickets before they sell-out - it promises to be an unforgettable event!
Join us for a dynamic startup event where purpose-driven innovation meets community impact. This is your opportunity to connect with ethical investors, seasoned mentors, and influential decision-makers in a space that celebrates your identity, mission, and vision.
From bold startup pitches to insightful expert panels and meaningful networking, PitchFest is designed to accelerate digital health solutions that truly serve Muslim communities.
🗓️ Friday 16 May | 6–10pm 📍Scale Space, White City – Imperial College London
Join BIMA for a powerful webinar series that equips healthcare professionals with the tools, insights, and support to advocate for justice and human rights – with a particular focus on Palestine. Through lived experiences, legal perspectives, and strategic discussions, we’ll explore what it means to stand in solidarity while navigating the responsibilities of our professional roles.
Solidarity and Responsibility – How Unions Can Make a Difference 🗓 6th May | 8:00–9:00pm
The Journey to Fighting Back – What We've Learned 🗓 14th May | 6:00–7:30pm
"No role is too small and in every position you can gain transferrable skills" - Dr Aqil Jaigirdar, Founder of Maa Charity.
Lots to reflect on after the ACE x sBIMA volunteers' retreat at Waterloo, London, alhamdulillah.
Ice breaker pitches, team building, intention-setting, Quran and even a stroll down the local markets! Great coordination by our ACE team leads to bring together the Professional Development wing of BIMA.
Main takeaways:
Face to face opportunities like this are rare but needed - connecting us much more deeply.
Team collaborations create great cross-talk and networking chances otherwise missed in our silos.
BIMA student members have a lot to give with ideas and enthusiasm.
On Monday 28th April, the first in a three-part webinar series on advocacy was hosted by pharmacist and barrister Shahan Mir, and explored key legal issues affecting healthcare professionals who speak up for Palestine. Shahan, runs the BIMA Pro Bono Support Clinic, which has supported over 100 healthcare workers facing complaints or referrals—often without foundation, but with significant emotional and professional toll.
Guest speaker Dr Nadeem Crowe gave a moving account of his sudden suspension from the Royal Free Hospital following anonymous complaints about social media posts advocating for Palestine. Despite an excellent record, he was denied details, evidence, and fair process, and was ultimately pressured to delete his account. Dr Crowe is now pursuing legal action, highlighting critical concerns around freedom of belief, discrimination, and the weaponisation of vague 'professionalism' standards.
Zillur Rahman (Rahman Lowe Solicitors) brought insight into Nadeem's case and also provided useful advice , reminding attendees of the importance of requesting written details and bringing representation—even to so-called ‘informal’ meetings. He also advised those who are facing issues to never delete relevant social media posts without fully archiving and documenting them so context is not lost; to submit a grievance early if facing unfair treatment and the value of Subject Access Requests (SARs) to uncover internal communications relating to complaints.
BIMA’s Organ Donation Team collaborated with Barclays, Shade 7, and Kidwise to host a powerful event celebrating Ramadan and World Kidney Day.
Featuring expert panels, VR experiences, BIMA’s moving organ donation film, and children's storytelling, the event highlighted the importance of kidney health across faith, ethnicity, and wellbeing. It inspired meaningful conversations and community engagement around health, gratitude, and hope.
Assisted Dying Webinar and Campaign
The BIMA advocacy team continues to raise awareness of the impact of legalised assisted suicide - in partnership with the Muslim Council of Britain and Our Duty of Care, this webinar focused on the practical consequences of legalised assisted suicide including:
Risk of increased medical mistrust
Pressure on vulnerable individuals finding access to assisted suicide easier than getting support to live
Moral distress for medical professionals who find the administration of death to be incompatible with the end-goals of healthcare
The impact of legalising assisted suicide and euthanasia was brought home by invited speaker Dr Sabira Kanani, who warned of the Canadian experience. Audience feedback was excellent and we continue to campaign to add our voice to other colleagues of faith and non-faith, to push back against assisted suicide.
NHS England rolls out lifesaving home testing for bowel cancer to over 50s.
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales the national bowel cancer screening will start at the age of 50. Residents of Norther Ireland will be invited for bowel cancer screening from the age of 60.
Impact of Faith-Based Health Networks
A new BMJ study explores the role of the London Muslim Health Network (founded by BIMA) as a faith-based health network — highlighting how collaboration between health systems & faith groups can build trust and tailor care.
Proud to see this important work featured, with valuable lessons for future health equity initiatives across the UK.
Become a paying member today to help BIMA continue to do amazing work and become eligible for special discounts.
Join BIMA Whatsapp groups
There are 40+ BIMA professional and regional WhatsApp groups that you can benefit from. These groups are a chance to network and discuss topical issues with colleagues in your professional area(s) and/or region.
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